WO2022196090A1

WO2022196090A1 - Ultrasonic diagnostic device and method for controlling ultrasonic diagnostic device

Info

Publication number: WO2022196090A1
Application number: PCT/JP2022/002108
Authority: WO
Inventors: 理子越野
Original assignee: 富士フイルム株式会社
Priority date: 2021-03-17
Filing date: 2022-01-21
Publication date: 2022-09-22
Also published as: US20240000436A1; EP4309587A1; JPWO2022196090A1

Abstract

Provided are an ultrasonic diagnostic device and a method for controlling an ultrasonic diagnostic device which enable a user to clearly ascertain whether or not a breast of a subject has been sufficiently scanned. An ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 is provided with: a sensor 4 for detecting the tilt angle or the height of an ultrasound probe 2; an image generation unit 13 for generating an ultrasound image on the basis of a reception signal obtained by a scan of a subject; a scan detection unit 16 for detecting the start point and the end point of a scan of the breast of the subject with the ultrasound probe in one direction on the basis of the tilt angle or the height position of the ultrasound probe 2; and a scan completion determination unit 17 for determining whether or not a scan along a set scan pattern has been completed by performing an image analysis on an ultrasound image generated from a reception signal at the start point and an ultrasound image generated from a reception signal at the end point.

Description

ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM AND CONTROL METHOD OF ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM

The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus used for examination of the breast of a subject and a control method for the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

Conventionally, there has been known an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that obtains a tomographic image of the inside of a subject by scanning the body surface of the subject with an ultrasonic probe. A technique as disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2002-100002 has been developed so that a user can reliably perform an examination of a subject when the examination of the subject is performed using such an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. In Patent Document 1, information about the posture of the ultrasonic probe is acquired by a sensor, and based on the acquired information about the posture of the ultrasonic probe, the imaged part of the subject exists on either the left or right side of the subject. A technique for determining whether is disclosed.

JP 2018-183448 A

By the way, when the breast of a subject is examined using an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the user may overlook the scanning range due to the size of the breast of the subject, and the like, so that the entire breast is sufficiently scanned. Sometimes I can't. With the technique of Patent Document 1, it is possible to determine whether the breast scanned by the ultrasonic probe is the left or right breast of the subject, but it is necessary for the user to clearly confirm whether or not the breast has been sufficiently scanned. was difficult to do.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve such conventional problems, and provides an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that allow a user to clearly confirm whether or not the breast of a subject is sufficiently scanned. The object is to provide a control method for

To achieve the above object, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention includes an ultrasonic probe, a sensor for detecting the inclination angle or height position of the ultrasonic probe, and a breast of a subject using the ultrasonic probe. An image generating unit that generates an ultrasonic image based on received signals obtained by scanning; A scanning detection unit that detects the start and end points of scanning of the acoustic probe, an ultrasonic image generated by the image generation unit based on the received signal obtained at the start point detected by the scanning detection unit, and detection by the scanning detection unit By performing image analysis on the ultrasonic image generated by the image generating unit based on the received signal obtained at the end point determined, it is determined whether the scanning according to the determined scanning pattern is completed or not. and a scanning completion determination unit for determining.

The scan completion determination unit is an anatomical area located at one end of the scan range according to a scan pattern determined from the ultrasound image generated by the image generation unit based on the received signal obtained at the starting point detected by the scan detection unit. Anatomy located at the other end of the scan range that recognizes the landmark and follows a scan pattern defined from an ultrasound image generated by the image generator based on received signals obtained at endpoints detected by the scan detector. When the optical indicator is recognized, it can be determined that scanning according to the defined scanning pattern has been completed.

The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus can include a notification unit that notifies the user when it is determined that scanning according to the scanning pattern determined by the scanning completion determination unit is incomplete.
Further, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus generates and monitors a monitor and a graph representing changes in the tilt angle or height position of the ultrasonic probe detected by the sensor from the start point to the end point detected by the scanning detection unit. , at least an ultrasound image generated by the image generation unit based on the reception signal obtained at the starting point, and an ultrasound image generated by the image generation unit based on the reception signal obtained at the end point A display image selector for displaying the acoustic image on the monitor after the end point is detected by the scanning detector.

When the user designates a designated point on the graph generated by the graph generation unit, the display image selection unit selects the display image generated by the image generation unit based on the received signal obtained at the shooting position corresponding to the designated point. Ultrasound images can be displayed on a monitor.
The display image selection unit, when a specified point on the graph generated by the graph generation unit is specified by the user, selects the received images obtained at a plurality of shooting positions corresponding to a specified range on the graph including the specified point. A plurality of frames of ultrasonic images generated by the image generation unit based on the signals can also be displayed on the monitor as a moving image.

The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus can also include a monitor and a determination result display unit that displays the number of scans of the ultrasonic probe and the determination result by the scan completion determination unit on the monitor.
In addition, when scanning with the ultrasonic probe is interrupted based on a user's instruction and scanning with the ultrasonic probe is restarted based on a user's instruction, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus can perform the interrupted scanning and the restarted scanning. may be provided with a scan integrator for merging as one scan.

A control method for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention detects the tilt angle or height position of an ultrasonic probe by a sensor, and performs ultrasonic wave detection based on a received signal obtained by scanning a subject using the ultrasonic probe. generating an image and detecting the start and end points of a scan of the ultrasound probe along one direction with respect to the subject's breast based on the tilt angle or height position of the ultrasound probe detected by the sensor; By performing image analysis on an ultrasound image generated based on the received signal obtained in and the ultrasound image generated based on the received signal obtained at the detected end point, the defined scan It is characterized by determining whether scanning according to the pattern is complete or incomplete.

In a method for controlling an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, recognizing an anatomical landmark located at one end of a scanning range according to a scanning pattern determined from an ultrasonic image generated based on a received signal obtained at a detected starting point; and when recognizing an anatomical index located at the other end of the scanning range according to the scanning pattern determined from the ultrasonic image generated based on the received signal obtained at the detected end point, the determined scanning It can be determined that scanning according to the pattern is complete.

In addition, in the control method of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, it is possible to notify the user when it is determined that the scanning according to the determined scanning pattern is incomplete.
Further, in the method for controlling an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, among a plurality of frames of ultrasonic images generated based on the received signals obtained from the detected start point to the end point, at least the received signal obtained at the starting point and the ultrasound image generated based on the received signal obtained at the endpoint can be selected and displayed on the monitor after the endpoint is detected.

Further, in the control method of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, when a specified point on the generated graph is specified by the user, an ultrasonic image generated based on the received signal obtained at the imaging position corresponding to the specified point can be displayed on the monitor.
Further, when a specified point on the generated graph is specified by the user, the generated multiple The ultrasound image of the frame can also be displayed on the monitor as a moving image.

In addition, in the control method of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the number of scans of the ultrasonic probe and the determination result as to whether or not the scanning according to the predetermined scanning pattern has been completed can be displayed on the monitor.
Further, in the control method of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, when scanning of the ultrasonic probe is interrupted based on a user's instruction and scanning of the ultrasonic probe is restarted based on the user's instruction, the interrupted scanning and restarting are performed. The resulting scans can be merged as one scan.

According to the present invention, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes a sensor that detects the tilt angle or height position of an ultrasonic probe, and an ultrasonic wave based on a received signal obtained by scanning the breast of a subject using the ultrasonic probe. An image generating unit that generates an acoustic image, and a start point and an end point of scanning of the breast of the subject along one direction with the ultrasonic probe are detected based on the tilt angle or height position of the ultrasonic probe detected by the sensor. an ultrasound image generated by an image generator based on a scanning detector, a received signal obtained at a starting point detected by the scanning detector, and a received signal obtained at an endpoint detected by the scanning detector; A scanning completion determination unit that determines whether scanning according to a predetermined scanning pattern has been completed or not by performing image analysis on an ultrasonic image generated by the image generation unit. The user can clearly see whether the subject's breast has been sufficiently scanned.

1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a transmission/reception circuit according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an image generator in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing an ultrasonic probe moved over a breast of a subject in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a notification message displayed on a monitor in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention; FIG. 10 is an example of a graph showing temporal changes in the height position of the ultrasonic probe detected in Embodiment 2 of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 11 is another example of a graph showing temporal changes in the tilt angle of the ultrasonic probe detected in the second embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example of a graph and an ultrasound image according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example in which points on a graph are highlighted in Embodiment 2 of the present invention; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of highlighting points on a graph in Embodiment 3 of the present invention; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing still another example of highlighting points on the graph in the second embodiment of the present invention; 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example of a determination result of scanning completion and an ultrasonic image according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention; FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention;

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
The description of the constituent elements described below is based on representative embodiments of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to such embodiments.
In this specification, a numerical range represented by "-" means a range including the numerical values before and after "-" as lower and upper limits.
As used herein, the terms "same" and "same" shall include the margin of error generally accepted in the technical field.

Embodiment 1
FIG. 1 shows the configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 includes an ultrasound probe 2 and an apparatus main body 3 connected to the ultrasound probe 2 . A sensor 4 is attached to the ultrasonic probe 2 .
The ultrasonic probe 2 has a transducer array 11 , and a transmission/reception circuit 12 is connected to the transducer array 11 .

The device main body 3 includes an image generation unit 13 , and the image generation unit 13 is connected to the transmission/reception circuit 12 of the ultrasonic probe 2 . A display control unit 14 and a monitor 15 are connected in sequence to the image generation unit 13 . The apparatus body 3 also includes a scanning detection section 16 connected to the sensor 4 . A scanning completion determination unit 17 is connected to the scanning detection unit 16 . A notification unit 19 is connected to the scanning completion determination unit 17 , and the display control unit 14 is connected to the notification unit 19 . An image memory 18 is connected to the image generation section 13 , and a scanning completion determination section 17 is connected to the image memory 18 .

A device control section 20 is connected to the sensor 4 , the transmission/reception circuit 12 , the image generation section 13 , the display control section 14 , the scanning detection section 16 , the scanning completion determination section 17 , the image memory 18 and the notification section 19 . An input device 21 is connected to the device control section 20 .
A processor 22 for the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 is configured by the image generation unit 13 , display control unit 14 , scanning detection unit 16 , scanning completion determination unit 17 , notification unit 19 and device control unit 20 .

The transducer array 11 of the ultrasonic probe 2 has a plurality of ultrasonic transducers arranged one-dimensionally or two-dimensionally. These ultrasonic transducers each transmit ultrasonic waves in accordance with drive signals supplied from the transmission/reception circuit 12, receive ultrasonic echoes from the subject, and output signals based on the ultrasonic echoes. Each ultrasonic transducer includes, for example, a piezoelectric ceramic typified by PZT (Lead Zirconate Titanate), a polymer piezoelectric element typified by PVDF (Poly Vinylidene Di Fluoride), and a PMN- It is constructed by forming electrodes on both ends of a piezoelectric body made of a piezoelectric single crystal or the like, typified by PT (Lead Magnesium Niobate-Lead Titanate).

The transmitting/receiving circuit 12 transmits ultrasonic waves from the transducer array 11 under the control of the device control unit 20 and generates sound ray signals based on the reception signals acquired by the transducer array 11 . As shown in FIG. 2, the transmitting/receiving circuit 12 includes a pulser 31 connected to the transducer array 11, an amplifier section 32 sequentially connected in series from the transducer array 11, an AD (Analog Digital) conversion section 33, and a beam It has a former 34 .

The pulsar 31 includes, for example, a plurality of pulse generators, and based on a transmission delay pattern selected according to a control signal from the device control unit 20, the ultrasonic transducers of the transducer array 11 transmit Each driving signal is supplied to a plurality of ultrasonic transducers by adjusting the delay amount so that the ultrasonic waves generated form ultrasonic beams. In this way, when a pulse-like or continuous-wave voltage is applied to the electrodes of the ultrasonic transducers of the transducer array 11, the piezoelectric body expands and contracts, and pulse-like or continuous-wave ultrasonic waves are generated from the respective ultrasonic transducers. are generated, and an ultrasonic beam is formed from the composite wave of these ultrasonic waves.

The transmitted ultrasonic beam is reflected by an object such as a site of the subject and propagates toward the transducer array 11 of the ultrasonic probe 2 . The ultrasonic echoes propagating toward the transducer array 11 in this manner are received by the respective ultrasonic transducers forming the transducer array 11 . At this time, each ultrasonic transducer that constitutes the transducer array 11 expands and contracts by receiving a propagating ultrasonic echo, generates a received signal that is an electric signal, and these received signals are amplified by an amplifier. 32.

The amplification unit 32 amplifies the signal input from each ultrasonic transducer that constitutes the transducer array 11 and transmits the amplified signal to the AD conversion unit 33 . The AD converter 33 converts the signal transmitted from the amplifier 32 into digital reception data. The beamformer 34 performs so-called reception focus processing by giving respective delays to the reception data received from the AD converter 33 and adding them. By this reception focusing process, each reception data converted by the AD conversion unit 33 is phased and added, and an acoustic ray signal in which the focus of the ultrasonic echo is narrowed down is acquired.

As shown in FIG. 3, the image generation unit 13 has a configuration in which a signal processing unit 35, a DSC (Digital Scan Converter) 36, and an image processing unit 37 are connected in series.

The signal processing unit 35 uses the sound velocity value set by the device control unit 20 for the sound ray signal received from the transmission/reception circuit 12, and corrects the attenuation due to the distance according to the depth of the reflection position of the ultrasonic wave. , envelope detection processing is performed to generate a B-mode image signal, which is tomographic image information about the tissue in the subject.

The DSC 36 converts (raster-converts) the B-mode image signal generated by the signal processing unit 35 into an image signal conforming to the normal television signal scanning method.
The image processing unit 37 performs various necessary image processing such as gradation processing on the B-mode image signal input from the DSC 36 , and then sends the B-mode image signal to the display control unit 14 and the image memory 18 . Hereinafter, the B-mode image signal subjected to image processing by the image processing unit 37 will be referred to as an ultrasound image.

The device control section 20 controls each section of the ultrasonic probe 2, each section of the device main body 3, and the sensor 4 according to a prerecorded program or the like.
Under the control of the apparatus control unit 20 , the display control unit 14 performs predetermined processing on the ultrasonic image and the like generated by the image generation unit 13 and displays the processed image on the monitor 15 .

The monitor 15 performs various displays under the control of the display control unit 14. The monitor 15 includes, for example, a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL display (Organic Electroluminescence Display).

The input device 21 is for the user to perform an input operation. The input device 21 is configured by, for example, a device such as a keyboard, mouse, trackball, touch pad, touch panel, or the like for a user to perform an input operation.

The sensor 4 is for detecting the height position or tilt angle of the ultrasonic probe 2 . As the sensor 4, for example, an acceleration sensor or a gyro sensor can be used.
Here, the height position of the ultrasonic probe 2 is the height position of the tip of the ultrasonic probe 2 in contact with the body surface of the subject. For example, the sensor 4 can detect a relative height position value based on an arbitrary height when the ultrasonic probe 2 is moved by the user. For example, the arbitrary height can be the height of the scanning starting point of the ultrasonic probe 2 .

The tilt angle of the ultrasonic probe 2 is the tilt angle when the ultrasonic probe 2 is tilted in a plane orthogonal to the scan plane with the tip of the ultrasonic probe 2 as a fulcrum.
For example, the sensor 4 can detect a positive tilt angle value when the tip of the ultrasonic probe 2 is tilted to one side, with the tilt angle set to zero when the tip of the ultrasonic probe 2 is vertically downward, and when tilted to the other side. can detect negative tilt angle values.

The scanning detection unit 16 detects ultrasonic waves detected by the sensor 4 while the ultrasonic probe 2 is moved by the user over the breast of the subject along one direction when the subject is viewed from the front. Based on the height position or tilt angle of the probe 2, the start point and end point of the scan of the ultrasound probe 2 along one direction with respect to the breast of the subject are detected.

Here, the scanning of the breast of the subject by the ultrasound probe 2 along one direction means that the subject is viewed from the front while the tip of the ultrasound probe 2 is in contact with the body surface of the breast of the subject. Scanning is performed on the subject's breast in accordance with a defined scanning pattern while the ultrasound probe 2 is moved by the user along one direction of the case.

The predetermined scanning pattern is, for example, a scanning method of scanning from one end of the subject's breast to the other along one direction when the subject is viewed from the front, or While moving the ultrasonic probe 2 along one direction when the subject is viewed from the front, such as a scanning method of scanning from the nipple to the peripheral part of the breast of the subject along one direction when viewed A method of scanning a subject's breast. FIG. 4 shows an example in which the ultrasonic probe 2 moves on the body surface BS of the subject so as to scan the range from one end to the other end of the breast of the subject as a predetermined scanning pattern. ing.
Scanning from one end of the breast of the subject to the other end means that the ultrasonic probe 2 is moved along one direction from one end of the peripheral portion of the breast of the subject, and the peripheral portion of the breast is scanned. scanning up to the other end. Here, the movement of the ultrasonic probe 2 along one direction means that the moving direction of the ultrasonic probe is constant. Further, in the scanning method for scanning from one end to the other end of the breast of the subject, when the subject is viewed from the front, for example, the upper and lower ends of one breast are referred to as one end and the other end. and the case where the left and right ends of one breast are defined as one end and the other end. Also, the scanning method for scanning from the nipple to the obliterated portion is, for example, when scanning radially from the nipple toward the obliterated portion, or by drawing a circle around the nipple in one direction with the nipple as the center This includes the case of scanning.

By the way, the ultrasonic probe 2 is usually moved at a substantially constant speed during scanning of the breast of the subject. The ultrasonic probe 2 that was moving toward it often starts moving in a different direction. In addition, the ultrasonic probe 2 often stops moving after scanning, or the ultrasonic probe 2 that has been moving in a certain direction starts moving in a different direction. As a result, immediately before the start of scanning and immediately after the end of scanning, values greatly deviated from the originally detected values are often obtained.

Therefore, the scanning detection unit 16 detects, for example, the imaging position immediately after the output value of the sensor 4 abruptly changes as the scanning start point of the ultrasonic probe 2. The start point of scanning by the ultrasonic probe 2 can be detected based on the change in the detection value obtained by the sensor 4 . In addition, the scanning detection unit 16 detects, for example, the imaging position immediately before the output value of the sensor 4 abruptly changes as the scanning end point of the ultrasonic probe 2. The end point of scanning by the ultrasonic probe 2 can be detected based on the change in the detection value obtained by the sensor 4 .

The image memory 18 stores at least the ultrasonic images generated from the reception signals obtained in the ultrasonic probe 2 at the start point of the scan detected by the scanning detection unit 16, among the ultrasonic images sequentially generated by the image generation unit 13. A memory for storing an acoustic image and an ultrasound image generated from the received signal obtained in the ultrasound probe 2 at the end point of scanning detected by the scanning detection unit 16 .

To simplify the description, the ultrasonic image generated by the image generation unit 13 based on the received signal obtained at the scanning start point is hereinafter referred to as the ultrasonic image corresponding to the scanning start point. An ultrasonic image generated by the image generator 13 based on the received signal obtained at the end point of scanning is sometimes called an ultrasonic image corresponding to the end point of scanning.

Examples of the image memory 18 include flash memory, HDD (Hard Disc Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), FD (Flexible Disc), MO disc (Magneto-Optical disc). magnetic disk), MT (Magnetic Tape), RAM (Random Access Memory), CD (Compact Disc), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), SD card (Secure Digital card : secure digital card), USB memory (Universal Serial Bus memory), and other recording media can be used.

The scanning completion determining unit 17 reads out from the image memory 18 an ultrasonic image corresponding to the scanning start point detected by the scanning detection unit 16 and an ultrasonic image corresponding to the scanning end point detected by the scanning detection unit 16 . , by performing image analysis on these ultrasound images, it is determined whether or not the scan according to the determined scan pattern for the subject's breast has been completed.

Here, in general, the end of the mammary gland is located near the peripheral part of the breast of the subject, the clavicle is located near the peripheral part of the breast located on the cranial side of the subject, and the clavicle is located on the armpit side of the subject. It is known that the outer edge of the latissimus dorsi muscle is located near the peripheral portion of the breast located, and the sternum is located near the peripheral portion of the breast located on the side opposite to the armpit of the subject. That is, it is known that anatomical markers such as the ends of the mammary glands, the clavicle, the outer edge of the latissimus dorsi muscle, or the sternum are located near the periphery of the breast of the subject. Further, it is known that anatomical markers such as milk ducts are located near the nipple of the breast of the subject. In this way, various anatomical landmarks are located in and around the subject's breast.

Therefore, for example, the scan completion determination unit 17 performs image analysis on the ultrasound image corresponding to the start point of the scan detected by the scan detection unit 16, and determines the scan range according to the determined scan pattern for the breast of the subject. and perform image analysis on the ultrasound image corresponding to the end point of the scan detected by the scan detector 16 to determine the defined anatomical landmark for the subject's breast. When an anatomical landmark located at the other end of the scanning range according to the scanning pattern is recognized, it can be determined that scanning according to the defined scanning pattern for the breast of the subject is completed.

In this case, the scan completion determination unit 17 selects an anatomical image located at one end of the scan range according to a predetermined scan pattern for the breast of the subject from the ultrasound image corresponding to the start point of the scan detected by the scan detection unit 16 . anatomical landmarks located at the other end of the scan range according to a defined scan pattern for the subject's breast from the ultrasound image corresponding to the end point of the scan detected by the scan detector 16. A scan according to a defined scan pattern for the subject's breast can be determined to be incomplete if the biological indicia cannot be recognized.

When the scan completion determination unit 17 determines that the scan of the breast of the subject according to the predetermined scan pattern has not been completed, the notification unit 19 notifies the user to that effect. As shown in FIG. 5, the notification unit 19 may display, for example, "It seems that scanning has not been completed to the end. Please check and rescan. , on the monitor 15, a notification panel P1 showing a message that the scanning of the ultrasonic probe 2 is incomplete. The user confirms the message on the notification panel P1 and scans again according to the determined scanning pattern.

Note that the processor 22 having the image generation unit 13, the display control unit 14, the scanning detection unit 16, the scanning completion determination unit 17, the notification unit 19, and the device control unit 20 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and It consists of a control program for making the CPU perform various processing, FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array: Feed Programmable Gate Array), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit: Application Specific Integrated Circuit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), other ICs (Integrated Circuits), or may be configured by combining them.

The image generation unit 13, the display control unit 14, the scanning detection unit 16, the scanning completion determination unit 17, the notification unit 19, and the device control unit 20 of the processor 22 are partially or wholly integrated into one CPU or the like. can also be configured

Next, the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. Here, as an example, the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 when the user scans the breast of the subject using the ultrasonic probe 2 and the height position of the ultrasonic probe 2 is detected by the sensor 4 will be described. .

First, the user places the ultrasonic probe 2 near one end of the subject's breast, and moves the ultrasonic probe 2 toward the other end of the subject's breast in one direction when the subject is viewed from the front. start moving. In this state, an ultrasonic image U1 is captured in step S1. When the ultrasonic image U1 is captured, the transmission/reception circuit 12 performs so-called reception focus processing under the control of the device control section 20 to generate sound ray signals. The sound ray signal generated by the transmission/reception circuit 12 is sent to the image generator 13 . The image generation unit 13 uses the sound ray signal sent from the transmission/reception circuit 12 to generate an ultrasound image U1. The ultrasonic image U1 generated in this manner is sent to the display control unit 14 and displayed on the monitor 15. FIG.

Next, in step S2, the height position of the ultrasonic probe 2 is detected by the sensor 4.

Subsequently, in step S3, the scanning detection unit 16 determines the starting point of scanning along one direction with respect to the breast of the subject based on the temporal change in the height position of the ultrasonic probe 2 detected in step S2. A detection process is performed to determine whether the scanning has started.

When the ultrasound probe 2 starts scanning the breast of the subject, the ultrasound probe 2 usually starts moving from a stationary state or moves in a certain direction. They often start moving in different directions. Therefore, the scanning detection unit 16 detects, for example, the photographing position immediately after the output value of the sensor 4 abruptly changes as the scanning start point. The scanning start point of the ultrasonic probe 2 can be detected based on the change in the detected value.

Here, since the height position is detected only once in step S2, the scanning detection unit 16 cannot detect the starting point of scanning in step S3, and it is determined that scanning has not started. In this case, the process returns to step S1 to generate a new ultrasonic image. In this way, steps S1 to S3 are performed until the predetermined time required for the scanning detection unit 16 to detect the start point of scanning in step S3 has elapsed and the scanning detection unit 16 detects the start of scanning of the breast of the subject. The process is repeated.

When the start of scanning is detected in step S3, the process proceeds to step S4.
In step S4, an ultrasonic image corresponding to the imaging position detected as the scanning start point in step S3 is stored in the image memory 18. FIG.

In subsequent step S5, an ultrasonic image is generated in the same manner as in step S1.
In step S6, the height position of the ultrasonic probe 2 is detected in the same manner as in step S2.

In step S7, the scanning detection unit 16 detects the end point of scanning along one direction with respect to the breast of the subject based on the temporal change in the height position of the ultrasonic probe 2 detected in step S6. to determine whether scanning has ended.

When the scanning of the breast of the subject by the ultrasound probe 2 is finished, the ultrasound probe 2 usually stops moving or moves in a certain direction. often begin to move in different directions. For this reason, the scanning detection unit 16 detects, as an end point, the photographing position immediately before the output value of the sensor 4 abruptly changes. Based on the change, the end point of scanning of the ultrasound probe 2 can be detected.

Here, since the height position is detected only once in step S6, the scanning detection unit 16 cannot detect the end point of scanning in step S7, and it is determined that scanning has not ended. In this case, the process returns to step S5 and a new ultrasonic image is generated. In this way, steps S5 to S7 are performed until the predetermined time required for the scanning detection unit 16 to detect the end of scanning in step S3 has elapsed and the scanning detection unit 16 detects the end point of scanning of the breast of the subject. The process is repeated.

When the end point of the scan of the subject's breast is detected in step S7, the process proceeds to step S8.
In step S8, an ultrasonic image corresponding to the imaging position detected as the scanning end point in step S7 is stored in the image memory 18. FIG.

Next, in step S9, the scanning completion determination unit 17 performs image analysis on the ultrasonic image stored in the image memory 18 in step S4. processing to recognize the scientific index. In addition, the scanning completion determination unit 17 performs image analysis on the ultrasound image stored in the image memory 18 in step S8, and recognizes anatomical markers located near the periphery of the breast from this ultrasound image. process.

Further, in step S9, the scanning completion determination unit 17 determines that the subject is scanned when anatomical markers are recognized from the image saved in step S4 and when anatomical markers are recognized from the image saved in step S8. determining that scanning according to the prescribed scanning pattern for the breast of the subject is completed; otherwise, determining that scanning according to the prescribed scanning pattern for the breast of the subject is incomplete.

If it is determined in step S9 that the breast of the subject has been scanned according to the predetermined scanning pattern, the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6 ends.
If it is determined in step S9 that the breast of the subject has not been scanned according to the predetermined scanning pattern, the process proceeds to step S10.

In step S10, the notification unit 19 notifies the user that scanning of the breast of the subject according to the determined scanning pattern has not been completed. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the reporting unit 19 reports, for example, "It seems that scanning has not been completed to the end. Please check and rescan. , on the monitor 15, a notification panel P1 showing a message that the scanning of the ultrasonic probe 2 is incomplete.

When the process of step S10 is completed in this way, the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6 is completed. , a scan can be performed according to a defined scan pattern for the subject's breast.

As described above, according to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 1, scanning of the ultrasonic probe 2 is detected by the scanning detection unit 16 based on the height position or the tilt angle of the ultrasonic probe 2 detected by the sensor 4. Start and end points are detected. Further, by performing image analysis on the ultrasound image corresponding to the start point of the scan and the ultrasound image corresponding to the end point of the scan, whether the scan according to the determined scan pattern for the breast of the subject is completed. No is determined. Therefore, the user can clearly confirm whether or not the breast of the subject to be inspected has been sufficiently scanned, prevent the scan range from being overlooked, and can sufficiently scan the breast of the subject.

In the flowchart shown in FIG. 6, the height position of the ultrasonic probe 2 is detected in step S2 after the ultrasonic image is generated in step S1. Alternatively, the process of step S1 and the process of step S2 may be performed at the same time. Further, although the height position of the ultrasonic probe 2 is detected in step S6 after the ultrasonic image is generated in step S5, the process of step S5 may be performed after the process of step S6. and the processing of step S6 may be performed at the same time.

In addition, the ultrasonic probe 2 and the device main body 3 can be connected by so-called wired communication, and can also be connected by so-called wireless communication.

Also, although the sensor 4 is attached to the outside of the ultrasonic probe 2 , it may be built into the ultrasonic probe 2 .

Further, the sensor 4 does not have to be attached to the ultrasonic probe 2 as long as the height position or tilt angle of the ultrasonic probe 2 can be detected. For example, the sensor 4 can be attached to the subject's hand holding the ultrasonic probe 2 . Even in this case, the relative value of the height position or the relative value of the tilt angle of the ultrasonic probe 2 can be detected. Similarly, the scan start and end points can be detected by the scan detector 16 .

Also, although a scanning pattern that scans from one end to the other end of the subject's breast is exemplified, the scanning pattern applied to the present invention is not particularly limited to this. For example, to the present invention, an arbitrary scanning pattern determined by a facility such as a hospital where examination is performed and a user such as a doctor, such as a scanning pattern that scans from the nipple to the peripheral part of the breast of the subject, is applied to the present invention. can do.

Further, the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the flowchart of FIG. is stored, and it is determined whether or not scanning according to a scanning pattern determined based on the stored ultrasound image has been completed, and the operation ends. is scanned, and the processing of steps S1 to S10 is performed each time.
This allows the user to detect the entire breast of the subject without omission.

In addition, in the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the flowchart of FIG. 6, two frames of ultrasonic images, an ultrasonic image corresponding to the start point of scanning and an ultrasonic image corresponding to the end point of scanning, are stored in the image memory 18. , a plurality of frames of ultrasonic images obtained before and after the scanning start point is detected by the scanning detection unit 16, and a plurality of frames obtained at timings before and after the scanning end point is detected by the scanning detection unit 16. Ultrasound images may be stored in image memory 18 .

In this case, the scanning completion determination unit 17 determines the anatomical region located at one end of the scanning range according to a predetermined scanning pattern for the ultrasonic images of a plurality of frames obtained before and after the scanning start point is detected. By performing the process of recognizing the optical index, it is possible to determine whether or not the scanning start point detected by the scanning detection unit 16 is an appropriate scanning start position according to the determined scanning pattern. In addition, the scanning completion determination unit 17 determines the anatomical image located at the other end of the scanning range according to a predetermined scanning pattern for the ultrasonic images of a plurality of frames obtained at the timing before and after the end point of the scanning is detected. By performing the process of recognizing the target index, it is possible to determine whether or not the scanning end point detected by the scanning detection unit 16 is an appropriate scanning end position according to the determined scanning pattern. In this manner, the scanning completion determination unit 17 can determine whether or not scanning according to a predetermined scanning pattern has been completed by performing image analysis on multiple frames of ultrasound images.

Embodiment 2
In the first embodiment, when the scan completion determination unit 17 determines that the scan of the breast of the subject according to the predetermined scan pattern has not been completed, the notification unit 19 notifies the user to that effect. However, after the scanning of the subject is completed, that is, after the scanning of the subject is completed, that is, by the scanning detection unit 16 It can also be displayed on the monitor 15 after the end point of scanning is detected.

FIG. 7 shows the configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1A according to the second embodiment. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1A is provided with an apparatus main body 3A instead of the apparatus main body 3 in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 of Embodiment 1 shown in FIG. Further, the device main body 3A is the same as the device main body 3 in Embodiment 1, except that the graph generation unit 41 and the display image selection unit 42 are added. It has a processor 22A.

In the apparatus main body 3A, the scanning detection section 16 is connected to the graph generation section 41, and the graph generation section 41 is connected to the display control section 14 and the device control section 20A. A display image selection unit 42 is connected to the image memory 18, and the display control unit 14 and the device control unit 20A are connected to the display image selection unit 42. FIG.

The processor 22 is composed of the image generator 13, the display controller 14, the scan detector 16, the scan completion determiner 17, the notification unit 19, the device controller 20A, the graph generator 41, and the display image selector 42. there is

The graph generation unit 41 detects temporal changes in the height position or the tilt angle of the ultrasonic probe 2 detected by the sensor 4 from the start point to the end point of scanning of the ultrasonic probe 2 detected by the scanning detection unit 16. and display the generated graph on the monitor 15 .

FIG. 8 is a graph showing temporal changes in the height position of the ultrasonic probe 2 detected by the sensor 4 when the ultrasonic probe 2 scans from one end to the other end of the breast of the subject. An example of G1 is shown. The height position gradually increases from the left end of the graph G1 corresponding to time zero, that is, the scanning start point, as time progresses, and the graph G1 reaches a maximum at the point corresponding to the nipple, and then the graph G1 corresponding to the scanning end point. The height position gradually decreases to the right end of .

FIG. 9 shows temporal changes in the inclination angle of the ultrasonic probe 2 detected by the sensor 4 when the ultrasonic probe 2 scans from one end to the other end of the breast of the subject. An example of graph G2 is shown. In the graph G2, the tilt angle is zero when the tip of the ultrasonic probe 2 faces downward in the vertical direction. As the time progresses from the left end of the graph G2 corresponding to time zero, that is, the start point of scanning, the tilt angle increases with a negative value, increases toward a positive value on the way, and the tilt angle becomes zero at the point corresponding to the nipple. , and the tilt angle increases with a positive value.

Also, the graph generator 41 can display a graph G1 on the monitor 15 as shown in FIG. 10, for example. At this time, the graph generator 41 can cause the monitor 15 to display a scan count display panel P2 indicating the number of scans in which the graph G1 was generated. The number of scans display panel P2 has a number of scans selection button B2. When the number of scans selection button B2 is designated via the input device 21, a list of the number of times scanning has already been performed is displayed. A desired number of times can be selected from. For example, when the user selects "first scan" from the list, the monitor 15 displays the graph G1 generated by the first scan.

The display image selection unit 42 selects at least the ultrasonic image generated by the image generation unit 13 based on the reception signal obtained at the start point of scanning and the image generation unit 13 based on the reception signal obtained at the end point of scanning. and the ultrasonic image generated by , are displayed on the monitor 15 after the end point of scanning is detected by the scanning detection unit 16 .

Here, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, when the graph generator 41 displays a graph G1 on the monitor 15 and the left end of the graph G1 corresponding to the scanning start point is specified by the user via the input device 21, , the display image selection unit 42 can cause the monitor 15 to display the ultrasound image U1 corresponding to the scanning start point from the image memory 18 based on the information input by the user. Although not shown, when the user designates the right end of the graph G1 corresponding to the scanning end point via the input device 21, the display image selection unit 42 selects the image memory 18 based on the information input by the user. , an ultrasound image corresponding to the end point of the scan may be displayed on monitor 15 .

As described above, according to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment, the ultrasound detected by the scanning detection unit 16 from the start point to the end point of scanning the breast of the subject along one direction is detected. A graph G1 representing temporal changes in the height position or inclination angle of the acoustic probe 2 is displayed on the monitor 15, and an ultrasonic image U1 corresponding to the scanning start point and an ultrasonic image corresponding to the scanning end point are displayed. Since the image is displayed on the monitor 15, the user can more clearly confirm whether or not the breast of the subject to be inspected has been sufficiently scanned to prevent the scan range from being overlooked. can.

Note that the graph generating unit 41 can highlight, on the monitor 15, a portion corresponding to the scanning start point and a portion corresponding to the scanning end point in the graph G1, as shown in FIG. 11, for example. As a result, the user can easily grasp the point on the graph G1 corresponding to the start point of scanning the breast of the subject and the point on the graph G1 corresponding to the end point of scanning the breast of the subject, and Points can be easily specified.

Further, it has been described that the ultrasonic image U1 corresponding to the scanning start point and the ultrasonic image corresponding to the scanning end point detected by the scanning detection unit 16 are stored in the image memory 18. An ultrasound image corresponding to any imaging position detected by the unit 16 from the start point to the end point of the scan can also be stored in the image memory 18 .

For example, in addition to the ultrasound image U1 corresponding to the scanning start point detected by the scanning detection unit 16 and the ultrasound image corresponding to the scanning end point, may be stored in the image memory 18 for a predetermined number of frames.

At this time, for example, when a point corresponding to a predetermined number of frames of ultrasound images in the graph G1 displayed on the monitor 15 is specified by the user via the input device 21, the display image selection unit 42 , corresponding ultrasound images can be displayed on the monitor 15 . This allows the user to more clearly confirm whether or not the subject's breast has been sufficiently scanned.

Also, in this case, the graph generation unit 41 can highlight points corresponding to a predetermined number of frames of ultrasound images stored in the image memory 18 in the graph G1, as shown in FIG. 12, for example. As a result, the user can easily grasp which part should be specified via the input device 21 in order to check the ultrasonic image.

Also, for example, all ultrasound images generated from the start point to the end point of the scan detected by the scan detector 16 can be stored in the image memory 18 . At this time, when an arbitrary point in the graph G1 displayed on the monitor 15 is specified by the user via the input device 21, the display image selection unit 42 can display the corresponding ultrasound image on the monitor 15. .
Also, in this case, the graph generator 41 can highlight points corresponding to ultrasound images of all frames stored in the image memory 18 in the graph G1, as shown in FIG. 13, for example.

In addition to the ultrasound image U1 corresponding to the scanning start point and the ultrasound image corresponding to the scanning end point, a plurality of frames of ultrasound images generated from the scanning start point to the scanning end point are stored in the image memory 18. When saved, multiple frames of ultrasound images can be played back continuously on the monitor 15 as moving images instead of still images.

For example, when the user designates the right end of the graph G1 displayed on the monitor 15 via the input device 21, the ultrasound image corresponding to the end point of the scan is traced back to the ultrasound image corresponding to the start point of the scan. As shown, multiple frames of ultrasonic images are continuously displayed on the monitor 15 as moving images. Further, for example, when the user designates the left end of the graph G1 displayed on the monitor 15 via the input device 21, the ultrasonic image corresponding to the scanning end point is changed from the ultrasonic image corresponding to the scanning starting point to the scanning end point. Ultrasonic images of a plurality of frames are continuously displayed on the monitor 15 as a moving image.

Further, for example, when the user designates an arbitrary designated point existing between a point corresponding to the start point of scanning and a point corresponding to the end point of scanning in the graph G1 via the input device 21, A plurality of frames of ultrasound images generated based on received signals obtained at a plurality of imaging positions corresponding to a defined range on the graph G1 including the designated point can be reproduced as a moving image.

A defined range on the graph G<b>1 corresponding to these multiple-frame ultrasound images can be set by the user via the input device 21 . A defined range on the graph G1 is set as an initial setting, for example, when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 is used for the first time, and the initial setting can be maintained thereafter.
The user can also set via the input device 21 whether to reproduce a plurality of frames of ultrasonic images as a moving image according to the lapse of time or to reproduce the moving image so as to go back in time. This setting is also set as an initial setting, for example, when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 is used for the first time, and the initial setting can be maintained thereafter.

Also, when the user examines the entire breast of the subject, a plurality of scanning ranges are scanned. The display of the scanning number display panel P2 is updated. For example, when the number of scans is one, the number of scans display panel P2 has only items corresponding to the first scan. , an entry corresponding to the second scan is added. Therefore, the user can select an item corresponding to the desired number of scans already performed from the scan number display panel P2, and can confirm on the monitor 15 the graph generated by the scan corresponding to the selected item. This allows the user to detect the entire breast of the subject without omission.

Embodiment 3
In the second embodiment, it is explained that the graph G1 generated by the graph generator 41 is displayed on the monitor 15, but instead of the graph G1, the determination result by the scanning completion determination unit 17 may be displayed. good.

FIG. 14 shows the configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1B according to the third embodiment. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1B according to the third embodiment includes an apparatus main body 3B instead of the apparatus main body 3A in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1A according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. The device main body 3B includes a determination result display unit 51 instead of the graph generation unit 41 in the device main body 3A of the second embodiment, a device control unit 20B instead of the device control unit 20A, and a processor 22B instead of the processor 22A. is provided.

In the apparatus main body 3B, the scanning completion determination section 17 is connected to the determination result display section 51, and the determination result display section 51 is connected to the display control section 14 and the device control section 20B.
The processor 22B is composed of the image generation section 13, the display control section 14, the scanning detection section 16, the scanning completion determination section 17, the notification section 19, the device control section 20B, the display image selection section 42, and the determination result display section 51. ing.

The determination result display unit 51 displays on the monitor 15 the number of times the ultrasound probe 2 scans, that is, the number of times the breast of the subject has been scanned according to a predetermined scanning pattern, and the determination result by the scan completion determination unit 17. do.

For example, as shown in FIG. 15, the determination result display unit 51 displays whether or not an anatomical index has been recognized in the ultrasound image corresponding to the start point of the scan as the determination result of the scan number display panel P2 and the scan completion determination unit 17. A message R1 indicating whether or not, and a message R2 indicating whether or not an anatomical landmark was recognized in the ultrasound image corresponding to the end point of the scan can be displayed on the monitor 15. FIG. In the example of FIG. 15, as the message R1, "Scan start image OK" indicating that the anatomical index has been recognized in the ultrasound image corresponding to the start point of the scan is displayed, and as the message R2, at the end point of the scan An "image at the end of scanning NG" is displayed, which indicates that the anatomical index could not be recognized in the corresponding ultrasound image.

Further, the determination result display unit 51 displays a selection button B3 near the message R1 for displaying the ultrasound image U1 corresponding to the scanning start point on the monitor 15, and displays a selection button B3 near the message R2 at the scanning end point. A selection button B4 for displaying the corresponding ultrasound image on the monitor 15 can be displayed. Via the input device 21, the user selects the number of scans in the predetermined scan range of the breast of the subject from the scan number display panel P2, and further selects one of the selection buttons B3 and B4. and the ultrasound image corresponding to the selection button B3 or B4 selected by the user are displayed on the monitor 15 .

As described above, according to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1B according to the third embodiment, the judgment result display unit 51 displays the judgment result of the scanning completion judgment unit 17 on the monitor 15, and furthermore, the ultrasonic wave corresponding to the scanning start point is displayed. Since the image U1 and the ultrasound image corresponding to the scanning end point are displayed on the monitor 15, the user can more clearly confirm whether or not the breast of the subject to be inspected has been sufficiently scanned, and determine the scanning range. Oversights are avoided and the subject's breast can be fully scanned.

In the third embodiment, the determination result display unit 51 displays the messages R1 and R2 representing the determination result of the scanning completion determination unit 17 and the selection buttons B3 and B4 on the monitor 15. Instead, A selection button B3 for the user to display the ultrasound image U1 corresponding to the start point of scanning on the monitor 15, a message "image at the start of scanning", and an ultrasound image corresponding to the end point of scanning by the user are displayed on the monitor 15. A selection button B4 for enabling the scanning and the message "image at the end of scanning" may be displayed on the monitor 15. FIG. Even in this case, since the user can confirm the ultrasound image U1 corresponding to the scanning start point and the ultrasound image corresponding to the scanning end point, the user can more easily check whether the breast of the subject to be inspected has been sufficiently scanned. The patient's breast can be fully scanned by clearly confirming and avoiding overlooking the scanning range.

Embodiment 4
Scanning may be interrupted for some reason while the user is scanning a predetermined scanning range of the subject's breast. In this case, the interrupted pre- and post-scans can be merged together to prevent false detection of the endpoint of the scan according to the defined scan pattern for the subject's breast.

FIG. 16 shows the configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1C according to the fourth embodiment. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1C according to the fourth embodiment includes an apparatus main body 3C instead of the apparatus main body 3 in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. Further, the device main body 3C is the same as the device main body 3 of the first embodiment, except that the scan integrating section 61 is added, the device control section 20C is replaced with the device control section 20C, and the processor 22 is replaced with the processor 22C. is.

In the apparatus main body 3C, the scan integration section 61 is connected to the scan detection section 16 and the apparatus control section 20C.
The processor 22C is composed of the image generating section 13, the display control section 14, the scanning detection section 16, the scanning completion determination section 17, the notification section 19, the device control section 20C and the scanning integration section 61. FIG.

In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1C, scanning according to a predetermined scanning pattern for the breast of the subject can be interrupted based on a user's instruction via the input device 21. Further, based on the user's instruction via the input device 21, the interrupted scanning according to the determined scanning pattern can be resumed. For example, a scanning interruption button (not shown) is displayed on the monitor 15, and when the user selects the scanning interruption button via the input device 21, scanning according to a predetermined scanning pattern is interrupted. Further, for example, a scanning restart button (not shown) is displayed on the monitor 15, and when the user selects the scanning restart button via the input device 21, the interrupted scanning according to the predetermined scanning pattern is restarted.

The scan integration unit 61 suspends scanning according to a predetermined scanning pattern for the breast of the subject based on an instruction from the user via the input device 21, and resumes scanning according to a predetermined scanning pattern based on an instruction from the user. When resumed, combine the interrupted scan and the resumed scan as one scan.

For example, when scanning of the breast of the subject according to a predetermined scanning pattern is interrupted based on an instruction from the user, the scan integration unit 61 causes the scanning detection unit 16 to detect the end point of the scanning according to the predetermined scanning pattern. suspends the process of Further, when the scanning of the breast of the subject according to the predetermined scanning pattern is restarted based on the user's instruction, the scan integration unit 61 causes the scanning detection unit 16 to detect the end point of the scanning according to the predetermined scanning pattern. restart the process. This prevents the scanning detection unit 16 from erroneously detecting the end point of scanning according to the determined scanning pattern when scanning according to the determined scanning pattern is interrupted.

As described above, according to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1C of the fourth embodiment, even when the scan according to the determined scan pattern for the breast of the subject is interrupted, the scan integration unit 61 performs the interrupted scan. Since the resumed scan is integrated as one scan, the scan detection unit 16 prevents the end point of the scan according to the defined scan pattern for the subject's breast from being erroneously detected, so that the user can It is possible to clearly confirm whether or not the breast of the subject to be inspected has been sufficiently scanned, to prevent the scan range from being overlooked, and to scan the subject's breast sufficiently.

Although it has been described that the aspect of the fourth embodiment can be applied to the first embodiment, it can also be applied to the second and third embodiments.

1, 1A, 1B, 1C Ultrasound diagnostic device, 2 Ultrasound probe, 3, 3A, 3B, 3C Device body, 4 Sensor, 11 Transducer array, 12 Transmission/reception circuit, 13 Image generation unit, 14 Display control unit, 15 Monitor, 16 Scanning detection unit, 17 Scanning completion determination unit, 18 Image memory, 19 Notification unit, 20, 20A, 20B, 20C Device control unit, 21 Input device, 22, 22A, 22B, 22C Processor, 31 Pulser, 32 Amplification 33 AD conversion unit 34 beam former 35 signal processing unit 36 DSC 37 image processing unit 41 graph generation unit 42 display image selection unit 51 determination result display unit 61 scan integration unit B2 number of scans selection Button, B3, B4 selection button, BS body surface, G1, G2 graph, P1 notification panel, P2 scan number display panel, R1, R2 message, U1 ultrasound image.

Claims

an ultrasound probe;
a sensor that detects the tilt angle or height position of the ultrasonic probe;
an image generating unit that generates an ultrasonic image based on a received signal obtained by scanning the breast of the subject using the ultrasonic probe;
a scanning detection unit that detects a start point and an end point of scanning of the ultrasound probe along one direction with respect to the breast of the subject based on the tilt angle or height position of the ultrasound probe detected by the sensor;
An ultrasonic image generated by the image generating unit based on the received signal obtained at the start point detected by the scanning detection unit, and based on the received signal obtained at the end point detected by the scanning detection unit and an ultrasound image generated by the image generating unit, and a scanning completion determining unit that determines whether scanning according to a predetermined scanning pattern has been completed or not by performing image analysis on the ultrasonic image. Ultrasound diagnostic equipment.
The scanning completion determining unit selects one end of the scanning range according to the determined scanning pattern from the ultrasonic image generated by the image generating unit based on the received signal obtained at the starting point detected by the scanning detection unit. and from an ultrasound image generated by the image generator based on received signals obtained at the endpoints detected by the scan detector, the defined scan 2. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when an anatomical index located at the other end of the scanning range according to the pattern is recognized, it is determined that the scanning according to the determined scanning pattern is completed.
3. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit that notifies a user when the scanning completion determination unit determines that scanning according to the predetermined scanning pattern is incomplete.
a monitor;
Graph generation for generating a graph representing changes in the tilt angle or height position of the ultrasonic probe detected by the sensor from the start point to the end point detected by the scanning detection unit, and displaying the graph on the monitor. Department and
At least an ultrasonic image generated by the image generator based on the received signal obtained at the start point and an ultrasonic image generated by the image generator based on the received signal obtained at the end point 4. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: a display image selection unit for displaying on the monitor after the end point is detected by the scanning detection unit.
When a specified point on the graph generated by the graph generation unit is specified by the user, the display image selection unit selects the image generation unit based on the received signal obtained at the shooting position corresponding to the specified point. displaying on the monitor an ultrasound image generated by
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4.
When a specified point on the graph generated by the graph generation unit is specified by the user, the display image selection unit selects a plurality of shooting positions corresponding to a specified range on the graph including the specified point. Displaying a plurality of frames of ultrasound images generated by the image generation unit based on the obtained received signal as a moving image on the monitor;
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4.
a monitor;
A determination result display unit that displays the number of scans of the ultrasonic probe and a determination result by the scan completion determination unit on the monitor,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
When the scanning of the ultrasonic probe is interrupted based on a user's instruction and the scanning of the ultrasonic probe is restarted based on the user's instruction, the interrupted scanning and the restarted scanning are integrated as one scanning. comprising a scan integrator for
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7.
A sensor detects the tilt angle or height position of the ultrasonic probe,
generating an ultrasound image based on a received signal obtained by scanning a subject using the ultrasound probe;
detecting the start point and end point of scanning of the ultrasound probe along one direction with respect to the breast of the subject based on the tilt angle or height position of the ultrasound probe detected by the sensor;
performing image analysis on an ultrasonic image generated based on the received signal obtained at the detected start point and an ultrasonic image generated based on the received signal obtained at the detected end point; determines whether scanning according to a defined scanning pattern is complete or incomplete by
A control method for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.
recognizing an anatomical landmark located at one end of a scanning range according to the determined scanning pattern from an ultrasound image generated based on the received signal obtained at the detected starting point; and detecting the detected ending point. When recognizing an anatomical index located at the other end of the scanning range according to the defined scanning pattern from the ultrasonic image generated based on the received signal obtained in the above, scanning according to the defined scanning pattern is performed determine that it is complete,
The method of controlling an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 9 .
Notifying a user when it is determined that scanning according to the defined scanning pattern is incomplete;
The method for controlling an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 9 or 10.
An ultrasonic wave generated based on at least the received signal obtained at the starting point among the ultrasonic images of a plurality of frames generated based on the received signal obtained from the detected starting point to the ending point selecting an image and an ultrasound image generated based on the received signal obtained at the endpoint for display on the monitor after the endpoint is detected;
The control method for the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 11.
When a specified point on the generated graph is specified by the user, an ultrasonic image generated based on a received signal obtained at an imaging position corresponding to the specified point is displayed on the monitor;
The method for controlling an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 12.
When a specified point on the generated graph is specified by a user, a plurality of points generated based on received signals obtained at a plurality of photographing positions corresponding to a defined range on the graph including the specified point displaying the ultrasound image of the frame as a video on the monitor;
The method for controlling an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 12.
Displaying on a monitor the number of scans of the ultrasonic probe and a determination result as to whether or not scanning according to a predetermined scanning pattern has been completed;
The control method for the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 11.
When the scanning of the ultrasonic probe is interrupted based on a user's instruction and the scanning of the ultrasonic probe is restarted based on the user's instruction, the interrupted scanning and the restarted scanning are integrated as one scanning. do,
The control method for the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 15.